Fruit Pizza Recipe
There’s something truly magical about a Fruit Pizza Recipe that combines the buttery crispness of a sugar cookie base with the creamy tang of luscious cream cheese and the vibrant burst of fresh, colorful fruits. This dessert feels like a celebration on a plate, perfect for brightening up any gathering or simply treating yourself to a slice of sunshine. It’s easy to make yet feels indulgent and special, making it a fantastic recipe to keep in your back pocket for all those occasions when you want to wow guests or just enjoy a fun, fresh dessert at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Fruit Pizza Recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients, each carefully selected to contribute a vital part of the flavor, texture, and eye-catching appeal. The cookie dough forms a golden crisp foundation, while the cream cheese frosting adds rich creaminess. Finally, the fresh fruit topping brings brightness, color, and natural sweetness that make every bite exciting.
- Refrigerated sugar cookie dough (16.5 oz): This provides a perfectly tender yet crispy base that is easy to shape and bake without fuss.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Creates a smooth and tangy “frosting” that pairs beautifully with the fruity toppings.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tang of the cream cheese.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the flavor with a warm, comforting note that ties everything together.
- Sliced strawberries (1 cup): Their bright red color and natural juiciness bring freshness and eye appeal.
- Kiwi (peeled and sliced): Offers a slightly tart contrast and an exotic green pop of color.
- Blueberries (1/2 cup): Small bursts of sweetness that add depth and texture.
- Mandarin orange segments (1/2 cup): Juicy and vibrant, perfect for that sunny citrus touch.
- Red grapes (halved, 1/2 cup): Provide a sweet, crisp bite and a lovely rich hue.
- Apricot jam (1 tablespoon, optional): When warmed and brushed on top, this adds a beautiful glossy finish and subtle sweetness.
How to Make Fruit Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F to ensure it’s ready when you need it. Press the refrigerated sugar cookie dough evenly into a 12-inch pizza pan or baking sheet. This even layer is key for a uniform crust that bakes perfectly golden. Pop it into the oven and bake for 12 to 14 minutes until you see that mouthwatering golden-brown color along the edges. Let it cool completely before moving on – hot crust will make the cream cheese mixture slide around, and we want everything to stay put!
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Topping
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until silky smooth and well combined. This luscious mixture acts as the “frosting” layer, so getting it perfectly creamy ensures each bite melts in your mouth. Spread this mixture evenly over the cooled cookie crust, making sure to cover all the way to the edges for that lovely balance of flavors in every slice.
Step 3: Arrange the Fruit
Now for the fun part! Arrange your sliced strawberries, kiwi, blueberries, mandarin orange segments, and halved grapes on top of the cream cheese layer. Feel free to get creative with patterns, from concentric circles to colorful stripes or even a random, artful scatter. The goal is a vibrant, appetizing canvas that makes anyone’s eyes light up before the first bite.
Step 4: Add a Glossy Finish (Optional)
If you want to add that professional touch, gently warm the apricot jam until it’s liquid and brush it lightly over the fruit. This adds a beautiful shine and a whisper of sweetness that keeps the fruit looking fresh and inviting.
Step 5: Chill Before Serving
Pop your fruit pizza into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step helps the cream cheese firm up and allows the flavors to meld, making slicing easier and the eating experience even better. Once chilled, slice into 12 generous pieces and prepare for compliments!
How to Serve Fruit Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh mint leaves are a simple but elegant garnish that complements the fruits’ brightness and adds a garden-fresh aroma. A light dusting of powdered sugar can create a delicate, snow-kissed look perfect for special occasions.
Side Dishes
This Fruit Pizza Recipe shines as a standalone dessert but pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch. For brunch, serve alongside a refreshing citrus salad or light herbal tea to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving smaller “mini fruit pizzas” on cookie sheets for individual portions that are perfect for parties or picnics. You can also use cookie cutters to shape the crust into stars or hearts for festive events, turning this dessert into a personalized celebration on every plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Fruit pizza leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to two days if covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. This helps maintain freshness and prevents the crust from becoming soggy. Just note the best experience is on day one when the crust is at its crispest!
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for this Fruit Pizza Recipe because the fresh fruit and cream cheese topping lose their texture and fresh flavor when thawed. If you need to prep in advance, consider freezing just the cookie crust separately and assembling fresh before serving.
Reheating
This dish is best enjoyed chilled, so reheating isn’t advised. If you prefer a warmer dessert, try serving the cookie crust warm with cream cheese and fresh fruit plated separately for a delightful texture contrast.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cookie dough for this Fruit Pizza Recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade sugar cookie dough can add a personal touch and you can adjust sweetness or flour ratios to your liking. Just be sure to roll it out evenly and bake until golden for the perfect crust.
What fruits work best on a fruit pizza?
Fruits that are firm enough to hold their shape, such as strawberries, kiwi, blueberries, grapes, and mandarin oranges, are ideal. Feel free to swap or add seasonal favorites like raspberries, blackberries, or peaches depending on what’s fresh.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, this Fruit Pizza Recipe is wonderful for kids! It’s colorful, easy to eat, and fun to help assemble. Just take care if younger kids are involved in slicing or using warm apricot jam for the glaze.
Can I make this dessert vegan or dairy-free?
To make a vegan version, use dairy-free cream cheese and check your cookie dough ingredients or make a vegan sugar cookie base. Use maple syrup or agave instead of granulated sugar if desired.
How long should I chill the fruit pizza before serving?
Chilling for at least 30 minutes allows the cream cheese layer to firm up and the flavors to meld beautifully. If you have more time, an hour or two can make it even tastier, but don’t chill much longer than overnight as the crust may lose its crispness.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Fruit Pizza Recipe enough for anyone looking to brighten up their dessert rotation with something fresh, fun, and truly delicious. It’s a fantastic way to celebrate fruit in a totally irresistible form that’s just as joyful to make as it is to eat. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your favorites and share it with all your friends and family!
Print
Fruit Pizza Recipe
- Total Time: 29 minutes (plus at least 30 minutes chilling)
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This vibrant Fruit Pizza features a golden sugar cookie crust topped with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese layer and a colorful assortment of fresh fruits. Finished with an optional apricot glaze for extra shine, this easy-to-make dessert is perfect for summer gatherings or anytime you want a fresh, fruity treat.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 package (16.5 oz) refrigerated sugar cookie dough
Cream Cheese Topping
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fruit Topping
- 1 cup sliced strawberries
- 1 kiwi, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 1/2 cup mandarin orange segments
- 1/2 cup red grapes, halved
Optional Glaze
- 1 tablespoon apricot jam (optional, for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cookie crust.
- Prepare the Cookie Crust: Press the sugar cookie dough evenly into a 12-inch pizza pan or baking sheet to form a uniform layer that will serve as the base for your fruit pizza.
- Bake the Crust: Place the pan in the oven and bake the cookie dough for 12 to 14 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and is fully cooked through.
- Cool the Crust: Remove the baked crust from the oven and allow it to cool completely to ensure the cream cheese topping does not melt when spread.
- Make the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Spread the Cream Cheese Layer: Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled cookie crust, creating a smooth base for the fruit.
- Arrange the Fruit: Decorate the cream cheese layer with the sliced strawberries, kiwi, blueberries, mandarin orange segments, and halved grapes in an appealing, colorful pattern of your choice.
- Apply the Optional Glaze: Warm the apricot jam slightly to loosen it, then brush it gently over the assembled fruit to give a glossy finish and enhance flavor.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the fruit pizza for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the topping to set properly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Customize with your favorite seasonal fruits for variety and freshness.
- Use reduced-fat cream cheese and reduce sugar amounts to make a lighter version.
- For best texture, enjoy the fruit pizza the same day to keep the crust crisp and fresh.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
